We are writing to invite the submission of papers for an international Symposium on the Supervision of postgraduates in TCSL, to be held at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics on July7 - 9, 2017. This will be the sixth symposium in a series, following the success of earlier symposia held at the University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, Nanjing University, University of Leeds and University of London. The previous symposia were attended by leading figures in the fields of TCSL from all over the world.

Papers presented in the previous symposia focused mainly on promoting the development of Chinese linguistics, comparative linguistics, the quality of learning and teaching Chinese as a second language, and electronic teaching. These areas will continue to be covered in the sixth symposium, but we are also keen to get more papers on the cultural teaching and communication, and the system and practice of training and supervision of postgraduates – both MA and Ph.D. – in the field of teaching Chinese as a second language.

The following is an indicative list of topics and themes on which we would welcome papers to be delivered at the symposium:

Analysis and critical appraisal of the MA systems and programs in China

Comparative study of Chinese versus other languages so as to investigate the impact of learners’ native language on Chinese acquisition

Examination of individual experience and lessons in supervision of MA and PhD programs in TCSL

Discussion about intercollegiate and inter-subject supervision of research students

Submission of Abstracts:

The working languages are English and Chinese. Presentations will last 20 minutes followed by a 10-minute discussion. Participants intending to give a paper are requested to e-mail a completed form (see below) with an abstract of approx. 300 words in English or 500 characters in Chinese to Dongdong Fu at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (Email : fu.dongdong@shufe.edu.cn). The deadline is April 5, 2017.